I see my juices glistening on his face and feel a mild sense of embarrassment come over me as I nod approvingly. I’m about to speak but something in the shadows catches my eye. Luke notices and turns to look as well.
He must see the same thing I see because he leaps to his feet and bolts over the porch rail. I fix my dress and run out into the yard to get a better look, but Luke is already on the other side of the tree line.
“Luke. Luke, can you hear me?”
The stillness of the night sends a shiver up my spine so I turn and run back to the house. I rush through the door and watch for Luke to return.
What did I see? I can’t be sure, but it looked like a person. Maybe someone heard my moaning and snuck over to peep. Or maybe it’s the same man who broke in yesterday. My eyes grow wide as someone steps back out of the tree line. My legs shake, watching the shadowy figure approach the house.
“He’s gone. It’s alright.”
I hear Luke’s voice and breathe a sigh of relief.
He steps inside and says, “It’s late, baby girl. Lock all the doors and windows and go to bed. I’ll be down here standing watch.”
I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his chest.
“I told you. You’re safe. There’s no need to be scared.”
“I’m not scared. Having you here makes me feel safe. I know you’d never let anyone hurt me.”
“Good. Now try to get some rest.”
7
LUKE
Spending the day in the office is killing me.
As hard as I try to concentrate on work, all I can think about is being back with Lori. She has really got a hold on me, and I want to do something special for her.
I look out onto the precinct floor and see Deputy Spencer. He’s the one who’s married to the nurse and owes me a favor for helping him pass his firearm safety training test.
“Spencer, is your wife busy tonight?” I call out to him.
“That’s a strange question, boss.”
Shit, he’s right. This is the kind of effect Lori has on me. I can’t even have an intelligent conversation anymore. I get up from my desk and walk over to his.
“Sorry. I was wondering if she’d be interested in a little side job. Do you know the Delaney’s? The house I’ve been watching. Do you think your wife would be willing to watch over the grandmother for a few hours tonight?”
“I’ll call her now, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Is something going on in that case? I don’t want her to be in danger.”
“Well, then, how about you stay there with her? I just want to get the granddaughter out of the house for a little while. She’s kind of on edge, you know?”
Spencer smirks at me. “Sure, I owe you one anyway. Maybe I’ll be the one who catches this guy. I’d like to be the hero for once.”
“Who knows? Maybe you will, but let’s just hope for a quiet night, huh? How’s seven?”
“That’s cutting it close. Can I go home now?”
“Yeah, get out of here.”
With that detail taken care of, I pack up for the day. It’s going to be nice to see Lori all dressed up and turning heads in town.
I arrive to find Lori waiting for me at the door. “Lori, did something happen while I was gone? You didn’t call.”
“No, everything’s fine. It just felt weird not having you here. I guess I was a little anxious. Anyway, I’m glad you’re back.”
